9 - Wireless mesh networks
from Part III - Wireless access networks
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 January 2012
Summary
Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) have been envisioned to enhance flexibility, increase reliability, and improve performance of wireless networks. Although WMNs are not widely considered in wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN) deployments, IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) is an interesting technology to realize low-cost WMNs. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the salient features and most important specifications of WiFi-based WMNs and describe the major challenging issues of routing and medium access control (MAC) protocols. Moreover, we briefly describe the optional mesh mode of initial standard IEEE 802.16d for fixed WiMAX, which has been removed from the IEEE standard 802.16e for mobile WiMAX.
Characteristics
Typically, there are two main approaches in the design of wireless networks (Schiller [2003]):
1. Infrastructure networks: Wireless mobile stations (STAs) rely on an underlying infrastructure for communication. They communicate with each other via a central control point, e.g., an access point (AP). WMANs, such as the global system for mobile communications (GSM) and universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), are typical examples for infrastructure wireless networks.
2. Infrastructure-less networks: STAs communicate directly with each other. In infrastructure-less wireless networks, also known as mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs), STAs are able to act as routers. Emergency search-and-rescue operations, corporate meetings, and military communications in hostile terrains are example applications of MANETs.
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- FiWi Access Networks , pp. 105 - 110Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2011